Pablo Monzón Bello

La formación en el ámbito del dimensionamiento estructural en edificación representa una tarea compleja debido a la cantidad de contenidos —teóricos y prácticos— que deben transmitirse en un periodo de tiempo limitado. Además, en los últimos años ha surgido un nuevo reto: transformar este proceso de aprendizaje, transitando desde metodologías tradicionales hacia enfoques pedagógicos activos, centrados en el estudiante y orientados al desarrollo de competencias. Una de las prácticas convencionales más extendidas en la enseñanza del diseño estructural es el uso de “problemas resueltos”. Aunque este recurso resulta útil en fases iniciales, puede influir negativamente el aprendizaje en etapas más avanzadas, limitando la creatividad y la capacidad de análisis del estudiante. En este trabajo se presenta, como alternativa a los “problemas resueltos”, una estrategia basada en el uso de herramientas tecnológicas interactivas para transformar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Este nuevo enfoque busca favorecer un aprendizaje más consciente, fomentar la autorregulación, proporcionar retroalimentación inmediata y adaptarse al ritmo del estudiante. Como ejemplo, se presenta una aplicación interactiva centrada en el estudio de las deformaciones (flechas) en estructuras de hormigón armado. Además de las ventajas mencionadas, este modelo resulta fácilmente adaptable a otros contextos y unidades didácticas.

Over the past decade, global cement production has exceeded 4 billion tonnes annually. This process has a considerable environmental impact and is estimated to account for approximately 5% to 7% of the total annual CO₂ emissions released into the atmosphere. To mitigate the environmental consequences of cement production, extensive research has been conducted on alternative materials that can partially replace cement in concrete manufacturing, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This study explores the utilisation of recycled brick powder as a supplementary cementitious material in mortar production, with replacement levels ranging from 5% to 45%. In addition to evaluating their mechanical properties, such as flexural and compressive strength, this research investigates the durability of the newly developed mortars. The results indicate a reduction in porosity of up to 50% and an enhancement in chloride penetration resistance by up to fourfold when the substitution rate is between 35% and 40% compared with mortar without replacement. Although no improvements were observed in carbonation resistance, the new mixtures exhibited an increase in resistivity of up to ninefold.

Corrosion protection in reinforced concrete structures exposed to aggressive environments remains a critical challenge in civil and architectural engineering. One promising approach involves the application of corrosion-inhibiting monolayers on the reinforcement, such as those formed using 4-aminobenzoic acid. Two methods have previously been employed to generate these monolayers: one relying on the adhesion of an organic compound and the other utilising an externally modified approach via electrolysis. This study assesses the influence of this treatment on the steel–concrete bond strength and durability, both critical properties for the structural performance of reinforced concrete under service conditions. For this purpose, pull-out tests were performed on specimens subjected to load–unload cycles to analyse bond behaviour and monolayer integrity. The results indicate that these treatments do not adversely affect the bond strength between reinforcement and concrete. Furthermore, the rebars treated with the inhibitor exhibit less corrosion damage than the untreated rebars. This fact is particularly significant in the rebars treated using the natural adhesion method, with the steel section loss being 32–37% lower than in the untreated rebars. These findings support the feasibility of applying this treatment without compromising structural functionality.

The Ateneo Sueco del Socorro, built in 1927 in Sueca, Spain, is a prime example of the 20th-century architectural transformation, using reinforced concrete. Designed by architect Juan Guardiola, it reflects the Art Deco style, incorporating ornamental elements from Eastern civilizations. The building’s structure includes masonry walls, concrete columns, and vaulted ceilings. The building displayed a high level of damage due to the oxidation and corrosion of the reinforcements that compose the façade, which led to the definition of the most appropriate study and intervention methodology, applying contemporary tests for reinforced concrete. The original project’s structural design reflects the construction methods of its time, with sculptural elements using Fallas modeling techniques, resulting in various concrete and mortar types. After the façade presented a pathological condition in the early 21st century that made its restoration urgent, a study methodology was followed with current tests to accurately determine the lesions, their degree of damage, and compatible materials for restoration. Corrosion on the façade is mainly triggered by carbonation and the depassivation of reinforcements, exacerbated by environmental issues like moisture retention and oxygen permeability. Repairs should use compatible pre-mixed mortars, with surface inhibitors recommended to extend the lifespan of reinforcements.